I took my family today to see the Vimy before it departs for its trans-Atlantic flight. The crew are behind schedule and work was progressing at a fast pace. I was able to get some nice detailed shots.

On a wood and fabric aircraft the fabric is stitched to each wing rib and then taped and covered with dope as you can see in this photo. Holes in the fabric are also repaired in the same way.

Working on the Canadian built engines.

The pilot, Mark Rebholz, talking to a person who's father once flew this type of aircraft.

Vinatge stearing wheel from a Handley Page S/400

Not exactly aerodynamically designed

Stitching that holds the fabric panels together

Me, my dad and nephew who I plan to instill with the aviation photography bug

this is probably a dumb question, but what kind of range does the Vimy have? Is it going to have to make stops or is it gonna make it nonstop?

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This aircraft will recreate the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic that was made in 1919. It will have to fly over 3,000 miles from St. Johns to Ireland. No islands or places to land. It has a top speed of 75mph and will take over 24 hours. There is no auto pilot so the crew of two will have to hold the wheel the whole way as it is not that stable of an aircraft. They plan to use period navigation gear but have a GPS sealed in a container just in case.

These are amazing shots Eric. And it's good to see a family out enjoying these things together. I envy you, being able to get "hands on" that beautiful craft, but would not have been able to see it otherwise. Thank you so much for posting these.
Danny

Your Dad looks like an interseting character, what's his history with cameras and photography?? The Vimy looks like quite a craft! Please keep us posted on its progress.

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My grandfather taught my father photography way back when and when I was nine he gave me my first camera, a Practica 35mm. He gave me the love of aviation photography but never did it professionally. I started working for mags as a side job about 15 years ago and have not looked back.

My dad is the little guy on the right in 1929 at St. Hubert, Quebec. Taken by my grandfather.

Just one of thousnads of images my father has taken over the years. This is a real classic